Wendi Gu

Wendi Gu is a literary agent who has worked in the publishing industry for several years, specializing in children's literature and select adult literary works. Here's a comprehensive overview of her career and interests:

Career Path

Wendi Gu began her publishing career in 2012 as an intern at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates (SJGA).1 After graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in creative writing, she was hired as a full-time assistant at SJGA, where she focused on children's books under the mentorship of Brenda Bowen.1

Her career progression includes:

• Literary Agent at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates (August 2019 - September 2024)3
• Agent at Janklow & Nesbit Associates (prior to SJGA)2
• Currently a Literary Agent at HG Literary (September 2024 - Present)3

Literary Focus

Wendi Gu's areas of interest include:

• Picture books
• Middle-grade fiction
• Young adult fiction
• Select adult literary books1

She has expressed particular interest in:

• Children's books about race relations in America
• Stories about the immigrant experience, especially from a young person's perspective
• Books that address the challenges of navigating between different cultural worlds1

Notable Characteristics

• Collaborative approach: Gu values the collaborative spirit of her work environment and appreciates the opportunity to learn from industry veterans.1
• Civic engagement: She is interested in books that address current political and social issues, especially those that help children understand complex topics.1
• Personal connection: Gu's own experiences as a child of immigrants inform her interest in stories that explore cultural identity and belonging.1

Industry Perspective

Gu has noted some trends in the publishing industry:

• Increased focus on civically engaged books, particularly in response to current political climates
• Growing interest in children's books that address complex political and social issues in accessible ways1

While she generally doesn't focus on fantasy, Gu has mentioned exceptions for works that incorporate relevant social themes or innovative approaches to the genre.1

Wendi Gu's career trajectory demonstrates her commitment to fostering new talent in children's literature and her interest in works that address important social and cultural issues.